A lot of my inspiration and coaching centers around relatively new grads and/or people in the NYC workforce for 5-10 years…simply because that is our speciality at Choice Fashion & Media. Last week, my mantras were put to the test as I was invited to speak to senior medical professionals at NYC’s renowned Mount Sinai Icaan School. The round table was made up of neurologists, surgeons, head nurses, cardiologists – you name the superhero. They were in the room all at a turning point in their careers and desires to become more of an administrative leader instead of a practicing doctor, etc.
Also, let me just share that the supposed round table was not round. I walked in under the premise that the group wanted to hear from “the agency side” about what it was like in the job market on the front lines for someone looking to make a professional pivot. Even though my expertise is clearly different, I decided I was up for the challenge. And in I walked – to a room filled with about 30 talented sets of eyes… sitting in rows watching me behind a desk and without a mic. Thank goodness I am known for my bedside manner… I jumped right in and decided… these incredibly brilliant people are vulnerable right now; vulnerable in a way that I am experienced in coaching and providing well needed strength.
After about 30 minutes with my audience, I realized that every single one of us… are all inherently the same. When I read The Dream Big Academy to the pre school set, I say the message is the same, just diluted for the age. Ironically, the same process applied here. People of all ages and experience levels need to be reminded they have what it takes, taught the proper strategies, given doses of reality, and provided the tools to better themselves.
Making a professional pivot at any age is attainable…but we all must accept that the positives will comes with costs (literal and figurative). In order to take two steps forward in a new direction, we may have to take steps backward in title and salary. Sometimes, we need to streamline our successes so that new hiring managers will feel comfortable that we are indeed interested in their “simple” opening.
As I left the meeting, I felt invigorated and inspired by these talented individuals who have blatantly changed the world in their own professions, but want to take on a new chapter. Why the hell not? They should be able to – we all should. I wish them the best of luck…and tell all of you to be mindful of your new neighbor… they very well could be a semi retired brain surgeon in disguise.
